World Cup: This team with ten World Cup drivers could also have played for the DFB

Decision for another country

This team slipped through the cracks for Germany

The German World Cup squad is well staffed. But other World Cup participants also have players who could have worn DFB uniforms.

National coach Julian Nagelsmann took 27 players to the World Cup in the USA, 26 nominees and a training goalkeeper (Jonas Urbig). At the biggest tournament of the football season, German fans will also see some players who ask them the question “What if…?” could wake up. Because one or two stars from another nation could also have played for Germany.

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For example, Kenan Yıldız, who spins on the right wing for Turkey. He would probably be a regular player in the German team. Josip Stanišić, who plays for Croatia, would probably also have secured his place in the DFB team. Ibrahim Maza might also have made the team had he not chosen Algeria. At least national coach Julian Nagelsmann said about Maza’s decision in autumn 2025: “It’s a shame because he is a good footballing talent.”

Yıldız, Stanišić and Maza are among the 25 players who were born in Germany but are playing for another country at the World Cup. There are also some well-known footballers who decided against the DFB. Atalanta’s Lazar Samardžić, who shot Borussia Dortmund out of the Champions League last season, comes from Berlin and the youth team of Hertha BSC, but plays for Serbia. Nigeria’s goal is Maduka Okoye, one of the best goalkeepers in the Italian Serie A. The Düsseldorf player’s market value is estimated at ten million euros.

The following eleven consists of players who play for nations other than Germany but would have been eligible to play for the DFB team:

• Goal: Maduka Okoye (Nigeria, Udinese Calcio, estimated market value: 10 million euros)
• Defense: Jens Castrop (South Korea, Borussia Mönchengladbach, 10 million), Josip Stanišić (Croatia, FC Bayern, 40 million), Marin Pongračić (Croatia, Fiorentina, 6.5 million), Ismail Jakobs (Senegal, Galatasaray Istanbul, 8 million)
• Central midfield: Hakan Çalhanoğlu (Türkiye, Inter Milan, 16 million), Ibrahim Maza (Algeria, Bayer 04 Leverkusen, 45 million)
• Offensive midfield: Can Uzun (Turkey, Eintracht Frankfurt, 45 million), Malik Tillman (USA, Bayer 04 Leverkusen, 30 million), Kenan Yıldız (Turkey, Juventus Turin, 75 million)
• Storm: Fisnik Asllani (Kosovo, TSG Hoffenheim, 35 million)